Syracuse Shakespeare-in-the-Park finishes their 2019 season this August with “The Tempest” at Thornden Park Amphitheater.

“The Tempest” tells the tale of a ship carrying Alonso King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, Antonio, and other nobles which has crashed into a remote island where sorcerer Prospero resides with his daughter Miranda and two servants, a monster named Caliban and mischievous spirit Ariel.

Jack Sherman, an SSITP veteran, plays the magical Prospero who reveals his own brother usurped his title as Duke of Milan and left him on the island. In the play’s five acts he uses his powers and his two servants to regain the position that is rightly his.

Sherman and several others in the acting troupe skillfully deliver Shakespeare’s verbose text with inflection that conveys the action of the story even if as an audience member you may miss a word here or there. For those still needing some extra English Renaissance translation, there is a summary of each act in the program.

Ariel, the sprite who longs for her freedom from serving Prospero, is played by Rebekah Tadros in her second season with SSITP. Her clear performance never wavers and she commands a strong stage presence every time she enters. The dynamic between her and Sherman is one of the most enjoyable to watch.

Providing the comic relief are characters Trinculo (Aaron Alexander) and Stefano (Stephen Shepherd) who pass their time on the island getting drunk. Shepherd delivers his performance of the king’s butler as sort of a Renaissance Ron Burgundy. Stefano is big, bold, and a little too sure of himself.

The second act is only two scenes long, but includes a performance by ballerinas from Syracuse City Ballet. The special appearances by multiple dancers and musical performers round out an evening of the arts.

Pack a cooler of snacks, bring your lawn chair, and enjoy this pleasant way to spend a summer evening in the park.

Details:

What: “The Tempest”

Where: Thornden Park Amphitheater, Syracuse, NY

When Seen: Opening night, Friday, August 2, 2019

Attendance: Approximately 100

Length: Two hours with a 15 minute intermission. This included a performance by the Syracuse Country Dancers.

Family Guide: The performance is so kid friendly, they even have a designated play area for children.